Stress-Free Labor Day Planning Tips

Tips and strategies to keep the end-of-summer holiday casual

Having a great Labor Day shouldn’t be a lot of work – that would defeat the holiday’s whole purpose. Besides being the last long weekend before school starts for millions of students, Labor Day is supposed to honor the contributions of workers to our nation’s economy and social fabric. In other words, you’ve earned Labor Day. So make the most of it, with less stress and more in your wallet.

Get It Planned

Labor Day is casual and doesn’t involve presents, going door-to-door for candy, or setting off fireworks, which means a lot of us are in danger of deciding to celebrate by mowing the lawn or cleaning out the garage. Catching up on household tasks is tempting, but it’s not in the spirit of the day. Some folks use Labor Day weekend for one last trip to the lake or the beach before the weather turns too brisk – but if leaving town isn’t an option, plan something around other great Labor Day traditions: food, family, and friends.

Dining In or Cooking Out

The best thing about hosting a cookout, pool party, or potluck get-together is that Labor Day is super-relaxed. You won’t need to get the kids new outfits or hire someone to clean your house from top to bottom. But to make your guests comfortable and keep everything chill, there are a few things you’ll want to have on hand when your guests start showing up. Use Labor Day 2016 deals to stock up on all of the essentials, and pay less to party more.

Go Disposable

While it may run counter to your “Go green!” instincts, this is one instance where a compromise in principle can save you hours of loading and unloading a dishwasher – and remember, the point of Labor Day is to relax. So stock up on paper plates, cups, bowls, and disposable utensils, and buy in bulk when you find a great deal to ensure you’ll have leftover party goods for your next gathering. If you’re a Labor Day guest, think about bringing some of these items – your hosts will appreciate having extras on hand.

Get Grillin’

It’s all about smoky charred juicy meaty goodness. Whether you’re cooking up burgers and dawgs, or planning to get smokin’ serious with apple wood chips and a dry-rubbed brisket, you want to make sure you have the tools to get the job done.

Labor Day Grill Sales

If you don’t already have a grill, or if the one you do have is on its last legs after a busy summer, Labor Day is one of the best times to pick up a new one. Retailers are slashing prices and clearing out summer inventory right now, so you’ve got lots of options to pick up a new grill at prices way below what you’ll find in the spring. But remember, the sales are for a limited-time only. And since the end of the season is nearing, most retailers have a limited quantity for each of these grills. For a complete list of what’s on sale right now, check out the latest grill deals.

Have a Seat

Go ahead and invite as many people as you like. Very few people are expecting a formal, sit-down dinner on Labor Day, and most folks will be happy to dine buffet-style. Just make sure you have enough seating – it doesn’t have to be fancy, just sturdy, like folding chairs or lawn chairs – and plenty of tabletop space for food, drinks, plates, and utensils. This is where card tables can come in really handy. Set them up, toss a tablecloth on, and you’ve got extra buffet space. Again, if you’re a guest, ask the hosts if they’d like you to bring folding chairs.

The Kids’ Table

Grilling can take a while and, although lots of kids love barbecue, they also have raging appetites and tiny tummies, and will be hungry long before dinnertime. Besides the snacks that you’d have on hand at any party (fresh fruit, chips and salsa, queso, and more), consider having a separate “filling station” with burgers or hot dogs to tide the young ones over until the brisket is ready.

Game On

When the weather cooperates, part of the fun of Labor Day gatherings is hanging out in the backyard playing games that seem to show up most often at gatherings like these: horseshoes, badminton, darts, and croquet. Not an outdoor gamer? Time to head to the sporting-goods store and get a few things to keep your guests entertained. Frisbees, soccer balls, and other active toys are a great treat for the kids, too. And if you’re feeling really brave, stock up on water guns for everyone and let the good times roll. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of towels on hand, too.

So that’s it. One of the true pleasures of Labor Day is seeing how much fun you and your family and friends can create with the simple ingredients of food, conversation, and a few things to do. After your easy clean-up, you’ll find yourself relaxed, refreshed, and ready to head into that stretch of work or school that separates summer vacation from Halloween.

Lori is the Senior Content Manager at Offers.com. A wife and mother of two who can't seem to shake her taste for the finer things in life, Lori's always on the hunt for a great deal. She otherwise can be found spending time with her family and two dogs, traveling the world, or reading a good book (or three).

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